Damian Lillard Gets Blunt About Gap Between Celtics and Bucks

The Boston Celtics, an NBA-leading 46-12, have an 8.5-game lead on the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference standings.

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

It's been a rocky season for the Milwaukee Bucks. First-year head coach Adrian Griffin's approach created defensive concerns significant enough to create friction between him and the locker room, leading to his exit and the hiring of Doc Rivers.

Terry Stotts, who's coached over 1,000 NBA games, winning 517 of them, left the organization before the 2023-24 campaign started after signing with Milwaukee in June.

The 13-year bench boss, who coached Damian Lillard for nine years with the Portland Trail Blazers, would've been an invaluable resource for the eight-time All-Star and a rookie head coach at the helm of a title contender.

Furthermore, as well as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have played together since joining forces, generating 72 points per game, ranking seventh in that category, per NBA.com, their partnership hasn't run as smoothly or proven as dominant as many anticipated.

"I thought we was going to be how Boston is right now," Lillard told Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix in an exclusive interview.

"But I think what I've learned is that some things take time, especially stuff that has (a) reward in the end," he continued. "You can't come into it and think that it's just going to be all peaches and cream. We've had our ups and downs. We've had a coaching change. I haven't completely settled into finding who am I on this team, and that's kind of a tough thing."

Conversely, the Celtics, who sit atop the NBA standings, boasting a 46-12 record, hit the ground running this season. The maturity of a group that's accomplished a considerable amount individually and signed lucrative contracts before has made it easier for them to embrace the sacrifices necessary to maximize having the most talented top six in the Association.

Jrue Holiday quarterbacking Boston's defense, flying around, wreaking havoc while having the lowest usage rate of his career at the other end is a prime example. One can go up and down the roster and identify how an individual is prioritizing what's best for the collective.

But, as well as the current campaign's gone for the C's, and as much turbulence as Milwaukee's dealt with, the Bucks are 38-12, third in the Eastern Conference standings. They're only half a game behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for second.

They're also playing better under Rivers, including on defense. So, while there are significant concerns about this team's ability to get to the Finals, let alone win their second championship in four years, it's a mistake to write off their potential to put it together en route to capturing the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

Having said that, when a team is more talented and better balanced, and a star on a rival franchise is lamenting their chemistry isn't as good as Boston's is, the side with those advantages typically enjoys more playoff success.

Further Reading

76ers Gift Celtics Welcome Playoff Prep: 'Taken Tremendous Steps'

Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Kristaps Porzingis Shares How First Season with Celtics Compares to His Expectations: 'Haven't Stopped Smiling'

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'